Tottenham Hotspur's search for a first league win of the season continues after a 3-2 home defeat to Aston Villa. Roberto De Zerbi's side finally ended a 485-minute Premier League scoring drought with two late goals, but they could not overturn a three-goal deficit at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The result leaves Spurs rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table. They have taken just two points from their opening five games, a return of 18 points from the last 75 available across 2026.

Early setback compounds problems

The afternoon began badly for the hosts when Pedro Porro was forced off with an injury after just 19 minutes. Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, grew into the contest and took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Johan Manzambi, making his first start for the club, finished from close range.

Villa doubled their advantage midway through the second half. Nicolas Jackson converted after being set up by Manzambi, and Emiliano Buendía added a third with 11 minutes of normal time remaining. Tottenham's defence, which has now conceded eight league goals, was breached too easily.

A flicker of hope too late

The home side's long wait for a Premier League goal finally ended in the 86th minute. Substitute Mohammed Kudus, who had been introduced at the break, provided the assist for Conor Gallagher to score. In the eighth minute of added time, Jan Paul van Hecke headed in a second to provide a mere consolation.

De Zerbi told reporters afterwards that the performance in the final quarter of the game deserved more, but he acknowledged the team's overall situation is critical. The late rally could not mask another concerning display, with the team now having lost their last two matches. Their recent form reads zero wins, two draws and three defeats.

With a two-week international break now underway, the manager has time to work with a squad missing several key attackers. Richarlison, Mykhailo Mudryk, Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are all currently sidelined. Tottenham's next challenge is a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on October 10. United currently sit 12th, offering a difficult but vital opportunity for Spurs to stop the slide.

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